787 test flights - more details

Clarification from Boeing on what aircraft will do what in the initial phase of battery-related evaluations. As already noted, flight tests of the prototype revised battery containment system will be conducted using line number 86, an aircraft designated for LOT Polish Airlines. Aviation Week noted this same aircraft was previously used for ground tests of the battery system in mid-February (AW&ST, Feb 18, p.32).

Joe Walker photo

The modified battery system is also being (or may already have been) installed in test aircraft ZA005, though Boeing says this is to allow testing to resume of the planned General Electric GEnx performance improvement package (PIP) II engine upgrade. The FAA says flight tests will validate instrumentation for the battery and its enclosure testing in addition to improvements for other systems. Boeing will reveal details of the proposed fix at a press conference to be held in Japan on 10 am Friday (6 pm Thursday Pacific time in the US)